Ogasawara Islands

A UNESCO World Natural Heritage archipelago roughly 1,000km south of Tokyo. Called the 'Galapagos of the East,' the islands are a treasure trove of endemic species. Accessible only by a 24-hour ferry, this remote paradise is popular for whale watching and diving.

An island in Miyagi where cats outnumber residents. With a cat shrine, the entire island is a feline paradise. It went viral in the SNS era, becoming a pilgrimage for cat-loving tourists worldwide.

An island south of Kagoshima that houses JAXA's Tanegashima Space Center, Japan's space development hub. Rocket launch viewings are popular, and the island combines historical significance as where firearms were first introduced to Japan with beautiful beach resort appeal.

A small island preserving the original Okinawan landscape of red-tiled houses, white sand roads, and bougainvillea. Famed for village tours by water buffalo cart, its easy 10-minute ferry access from Ishigaki Island adds to its popularity.

A gateway to the Yaeyama Islands and a tourism base in Okinawa. Popular for the stunning Kabira Bay scenery and manta ray diving at Manta Scramble, it also offers excellent cuisine including Ishigaki beef and Yaeyama soba.

The largest island in the Sea of Japan, where gold mining history and traditional performing arts like Noh and Ondeko drums thrive. Known for the crested ibis reintroduction project, it offers unique attractions including tub boat rides and Sado Gold Mine ruins.